The ultimate form of show and tell, Orlando Science Center hosts the third annual Maker Faire Orlando (formerly Orlando Mini Maker Faire) on Sept. 13–14, 2014. This community-based learning event aims to inspire the public through do-it-yourself science, technology and art; hands-on workshops; panels; and more. This year’s event is bigger than ever before with more Makers, crazier creations and not one but two whole days to experience it! Maker Faire Orlando takes place on every floor of the Science Center as well as outside in Loch Haven Park.

The 2014 event features more than 200 one-of-a- kind projects from local Makers. Makers are DIY-enthusiasts who demonstrate their creativity and knowledge through personal creations. Makers come from all ages and backgrounds, ranging from techies to crafters to scientists to garage tinkerers. Each shares a common passion for innovation and creativity, as well as an educational spirit to inspire and encourage new Makers.

At Maker Faire Orlando, see creations like the Big Susan Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicle — try saying that five times fast! Built out of pet fence receiver collars, an Arduino board and a couple electric motors, it can be tasked to walk the dog, mow the lawn, take the garbage to the street and anything else you can think of. Keeping with the vehicle theme, the Power Racing Series returns to the event and features individuals driving modified Power Wheels kiddie cars. And one of last year’s favorites returns with guests jumping in the Human Powered Snow Cone Machine to make your own icy treat via a person-sized hamster wheel!

There’s art-a-plenty at the event including “Sculpturings” — half-small sculpture, half-art jewelry by Rebecca Rose. And if you’ve observed the painted fence panels alongside the Seminole Wekiva Trail, the master himself Jeff Sonksen will exhibit his work and invite guests to contribute to his ever-growing mural. And Justin Peterson, famous among Orlandoans for his murals in many Tijuana Flats locations, will showcase his illustrations and graphic novel series “Very Near Mint.”

There is plenty to see but also plenty to do with our workshop series. Learn how to “upcycle” and make crafts out of unwanted magazines with Indie Craft Exchange; engage in hands-on 3-D printer, Arduino and electromagnet demos with the Orange County Library System; discover how to create your own music box with the Musical Box Society International; and more! We’ve also added additional space to learn how to solder, a highly popular skill among Makers.

The first Maker Faire, organized by the editors of MAKE magazine, started in 2006 in San Mateo, Calif. Branching off from the flagship Faires in the Bay Area and New York City are community-driven Mini Maker Faires and “featured” Maker Faires, the latter of which Orlando attained status in 2014. Orlando shares this distinction with cities like Tokyo, Atlanta, Rome and Detroit. Each of the past two years’ events featured more than 100 exhibits from local Makers and groups, and attracted more than 2,500 guests. Maker Faire Orlando expects to showcase more than 200 projects and draw more than 5,000 guests.

“We tend to be defined sometimes today just as consumers, but I believe all of us are Makers and all of us like to view ourselves as creative and productive,” said Dale Dougherty, publisher of MAKE magazine and grandfather to Maker Faires worldwide. “The Maker Faire is an invitation to anyone who sees themselves as a Maker.”

Maker Faire Orlando is an ongoing collaboration between The Maker Effect Foundation and Orlando Science Center as well as members of the local Maker community, most notably FamiLAB. The Science Center is pleased to host the event as it aligns perfectly with the organization’s mission to inspire science learning for life.

“This event represents everything we do best, which is engage the community about science in a hands-on, passionate and innovative way,” said JoAnn Newman, president and CEO of Orlando Science Center.

Experience Maker Faire Orlando with admission to Orlando Science Center which is $19 for adults and $13 for youth (ages 3 – 11). Advanced tickets can be purchased at www.MakerFaireOrlando.com/attend at a reduced cost. Tickets include access to all of the Maker exhibits and panels as well as all four floors of exhibits, giant-screen educational films, and live programming. Some workshops may require nominal fees. Admission is free for Science Center members.

Parking is available in the parking garage located directly across the street from the Science Center for $5 per vehicle. Free, overflow parking is available at each of the following locations: Florida Urology Associates/Orlando Cancer Institute, 1812 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, 32803; Magruder Eye Institute, 1911 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, 32803; and McCree General Contractors and Architects (two addresses), 500 E. Princeton St., Orlando, 32803 and 2100 Alden Rd., Orlando, 32803; curbside on both sides of N. Mills Avenue alongside Loch Haven Park. Guests can also park on the upper levels of the Florida Hospital Parking Garage on Alden Road for $5 per vehicle (cash only).